ACCRINGTON Stanley have been shown a red card for breaching planning regulations with their spectator control room.

They have been ordered to pull down the controversial structure, which has been condemned as an eyesore by residents living near the Fraser Eagle Stadium, at the end of the season.

And if the club does not replace it before the start of next season it could even be expelled from the Football League.

The control room is essential as it is used by Stanley’s safety officer and police to manage the crowds and direct stewards, and without it they would not be granted a safety certificate.

Members of Hyndburn Council’s Planning Committee voted to turn down an application to renew the temporary structure, forcing the club to pay for a more visually-pleasing permanent building.

Residents have been appealing for the removal of the structure for almost two years on the grounds that it intrudes into their homes and is an eyesore.

Councillor Marlene Haworth said: “I think this building should come down. The club has had every opportunity to do what we asked it to do.”

Councillor Clare Pritchard added: “This isn't about trying to put Accrington Stanley down at all. The residents whose homes back on to the ground have had two years looking at this eyesore.

“Stanley have failed to adhere to the conditions this Planning Committee placed on them so they should be dealt with the same way as anyone else would be – and told to take it down.”

The club’s current planning permission expired on 31 May and councillors voted to place an enforcement order on the club to remove the control room at the end of the season.

Planning Committee chairman John Griffiths said: “Even though Accrington Stanley are a good advert for the town, they must not be treated any different from any other person applying for planning permission.”

Stanley chief executive Rob Heys said: “We will now have to sort out something more permanent at the end of the season. The reason we have not built something before has simply come down to always having more pressing places to spend our money.

“Residents have expressed their concerns to the club about the way the control room looks and we agree it's not the best way to show off Accrington Stanley.

“The council has been great allowing us to have this temporary building and now it’s own turn to play fair.”